Tagging machine



May 30, 1939- c; H. MAIBEN TAGGING MACHINE Filed. Feb. 19, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 May 30, 1939. c. H. MAIBEN TAGGING MACHINE Filed Feb. 19, 1958 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Cfiar/es H .lhZzzZenL 'May 30, 1939. CQH. MAIBEN 2,160,552

TAGGING MACHINE Filed' Feb. 19, 1958 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 ammuto'a y 1939- Q c. H. MAIBEN 2,160,552

TAGGINGMACHINE May 30, 1939.

C. H. MAIBEN TAGGING MACHINE Filed Feb. 19, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 Czar/e5 'MzzZen May 30, 1 939.

C. H. MAIBEN TAGGING MACHINE Filed Feb. 19, 1938 9' Sheets-Sheet 7 lllllllllllllmlfl 4% inim.

y c. H. MAIBEN 2,160,552

TAGGING MACHINE Filed Feb. 19, 1958 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 May30,1939- 1 c. H. MAIBEQ 2,160,552

TAGGING MACHINE Filed Feb 19, 1958 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 C'fiar/es H Mazlen.

Patented May 30, 1939 UNITED" STATES PATENT OFFICE 14 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved tagging machine.

In laundries, dry cleaning and other establishments, handling large quantities of clothing and other articles, a constant watch must be kept in order to assure that articles of clothing do not become lost or have improper service performed thereon. Asa matter of fact, during each year, thousands of dollars are spent by laundries in rein placing lost and damaged articles, which loss or damage was caused by improper identification of articlesentrusted to them.

One object of my present invention is, therefore, to provide a tagging machine which is parlJ ticularly adapted for use in laundries and dry cleaning establishments and which may be operated for automatically feeding a portion of tape to lie in proximity to the edge of an article to be identified, cutting the tape to form an identification tag, and fastening the tag to the article, these three functions being performed at one operation of the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tagging machine wherein effective feeding mechanism is provided for the tape so that the same will be fed to proper position to be cut into tags.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved tagging machine adapted for operation by the foot of the user so that it may be operated with the utmost facility. A still further object of the invention is to provide a tagging machine wherein the staples employed may be securely and effectively attached to the articles to be identified.

.And still another object of the invention isto provide a tagging machine which will employ a container having compartments for colored identification tabs, which container will be conveniently located so that tabs may be withdrawn 40 from the compartments of the container as needed.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of my complete tagging machine as it would appear in operative position ready for a stapling operation.

Figure 2 is a side elevation, partly in section,-

and showing my complete tagging machine as it would appear at completion of a stapling opera- 50 tion. v

Figure 3 is a front view of the machine in inoperative position.

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail vertical sectional view on the line 4-4 of Figure 2, looking 55 in the direction indicated by the arrows Figure 5 is a fragmentary detail sectional view similar to Figure 4, but showing the mechanism for crimping or bending the staple ends as it would appear during a bending operation.

Figure 6 is a horizontal sectional view on the 5 line lie-6 of Figure 4, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Figure 7 is a side elevational view of the clamping base assembly for the staples.

Figure8 is a fragmentary detail vertical sectional view, partly shown in elevation, of the stapling head and associated mechanism in inoperative position.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the housing or bracket for the tape cutting mechanism employed.

Figure 10 is a detail sectional view on the line l0l0 of Figure 8.

Figure 11 is a horizontal detail sectional view on the line |Il| of Figure 8. v 3

Figure 12 is an enlarged fragmentary detail longiudinai sectional view showing a portion of the tape feeding mechanism employed.

Figure 13 is a vertical detail sectional view on the line l3l3 of Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a fragmentary side elevation showing the lower portion of the machine having the operating treadle thereon.

Figure 15 is a "ide elevation showing, in inoperative position, a modified form of the invention. Figure 16 is a fragmentary side elevation showing the modified form of the invention as it would appear in operative position during a stapling operation.

Figure 1'7 is a fragmentary front view of the modified form of the invention.

Figure 18 is a fragmentary plan view showing a portion of goods with an identification tag as it would appear secured thereto after a stapling operation by my improved tagging machine.

Figure 19 is a fragmentary detail perspective view showing a modified form of tape feeding mechanism.

- companying drawings, wherein like numerals of reference will be seen to designate like parts throughout the various views, the numeral I indicates in general a pedestal for supporting my improved tagging machine. The pedestal includes an enlarged upper portion 2 and, as best seen in Figure 14, a laterally extended base 3.

A mounting lug 4 is carried by the pedestal at,

inwardly of the foot engaging portion 8 of said treadle. The purpose of the treadle will be described in more detail hereinafter.

The pedestal I has mounted on the enlarged upper portion 2 a base plate 9 which is substantially rectangular in shape, is relatively thick, is formed of heavy cast metal, and is tapered in .thickness at its opposite ends. The base plate 9 forms a part of stapling mechanism which is, broadly speaking, of conventional construction but which, for the sake of clearness, will be described. The base plate 9 of the stapling mech anism includes, at its rear end portion, parallel vertically disposed walls l which define a mountingmember or yoke II for the movable body |2 of-the stapling mechanism. The movable body I2 comprises a relatively long substantially inverted U-shaped body portion |3 which is piva pivot bolt 4. The body portion is adapted to carry a mandrel l5 therein and said mandrel is substantially U-shape in cross section and is adapted to receive staples therein, which staples are conventionally "frozen into sticks of great quantity. That is to say, large numbers of these staples are glued or otherwise secured together, edge to edge, so that they may be placed on the mandrel l5 and fed therealong. The staples are indicated, in Figure 8 of the drawings, at IS.

The body |2 has, at its forward end, a relatively large stapling head, indicated in general by the numeral H. The stapling head, per se, has a straight front wall I8, a fiat bottom wall I9 and flat sidewalls 20 and 2|. The rear wall of the stapling head is curved inwardly toward the top of the head, as shown at 22, and is closed by a curved wall 23 which is hingedly connected to the head H by means of ears 24 having screws minate in an end piece 21 adapted to engage in a follower 28 which follower is intended to'ride "on the mandrel 5| and urge the staples forwardly within the body and stapling head to position for stapling operations.

The stapling head. I! includes a plunger 29 which is vertically slidable in the head adjacent the wall l8 and is adapted to engage individual staples fed from the mandrel within the head for urging said staples into engagement with an article to be fastened in a manner to be discussed more in detail hereinafter. Theplunger 29 has aplunger head 39 provided with depending lugs 3| at each end, which lugs are adapted for pivotal connection with operating tie rods 32 which are provided with connecting yokes 33 at their upper ends, which'connecting yokes are adapted to be pivotally connected to thedepending lugs 3| by screws 34. The corresponding lower ends of the operating tie rods are provided with connecting yokes 35'which are pivotally connected to studs 36 carried on a guide plate 31.

The guide plate 31 is, as best seen in Figures 1 and 3 of the drawings,'slidably mounted upon a central sleeve 38 which is screwed at its upper end in a sub-base plate 39 which, as best seen in Figufes 4 and 5 of the drawings, is bolted to the under side of the forward end of the base plate 9. The base plate 9 is provided at its forward end portion with a cut away portion 40 while the rear portion of the sub-base plate 39 is provided with a relatively large and deep cut away portion 4|. The sub-base plate 39 is secured to the under side of the base plate 9 at the rear end of said base plate by means of a screw 42 having an eye 43 thereon. The eye 43 provides anchoring means for one end of a retractile spring 44 which has its other end secured in an eye bolt 45 which bolt is secured in the central portion of a cross member 45. The cross member 46 forms a part of the actuating mechanism for the stapling structure which comprises the body l2 and the stapling head I! with its plunger 29. The cross member 46 is provided with a connecting yoke 41 and said connecting yoke has pivotally connected thereto an actuating rod 48,

the lower end of which is pivotally connected in the treadle 6. The cross member 46 is connected,

at each end portion, with an upper cross member 49 by means of tie rods 58. The tie rods are slidable through the guide plate 31 and through a stationary stop plate 5| which is relatively thick and is screwed on the'lower end of the central sleeve 38. The stop plate 5| has a relatively narrow slot 52 therein.

As best seen in Figures 1, 4 and 5, the upper cross member 49 is adapted to slide on the central sleeve 38, which extends through said cross member 49 medially of its length and is provided with dog operating pins 53 which are disposed on the upper cross member 49 at opposite sides of the sleeve 38. The upper cross member 49 is formed with a spring receiving recess 54 medially of its length and said recess is adapted to receive a coil spring 55 which surrounds the central sleeve 38 and provides a resilient connection between the upper cross member 49 and the guide plate 31. As best seen in Figures 4 and 5, the pins 53 are adapted to extend through suitable openings in the guide plate and through alined openings 56 in the stop plate 5|. The stop plate has, in the relatively narrow slot 52, dogs 51 which are pivotally mounted in the slot by means of bolts 58. The dogs are substantially rectangul'ar in shape but are formed at their upper ends with curved cam-like walls 59 normally disposed to confront'the openings 55 in inoperative position for engagement by the lower ends of the dog operating pins 53, which'lower ends are preferably mounted so as to insure easy sliding contact between said pins and the dogs. An operating rod 68 is slidably mounted in the central sleeve 38 and has its lower end engageable, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, between the dogs 51.

Carried by the base plate 9 within the cut away portion 48, is a clamping mechanism casing 6|. The casing 6| extends through the base plate 9 and rests in the sub-base plate 39 in an opening 62 and is held in the opening 62 by means of a set screw 62a. The casing 6|, as

best seen in Figures 4, 5, 6 and '7, is formed of two substantially L-shaped sections 63 and 64 which are connected by a screw 65 which screw also serves a dual function to be presently set lower end of the operating cam or block is provided with a lug II which engages the upper end of the operating rod 69. Guide pins l2 and" are'carried in thecasing 6| at opposite ends of the operating cam or block and serve to guide the operating cam or block in its vertical movement. The operating cam has a fiat upper surface I4 upon which rest the corresponding inner end portions of the dogs 66.

It will be understood that when the treadlei is depressed by the operator, the actuating rod 48 will be pulled/ downwardly for shifting the cross member downwardly, whereupon down-. 'ward movement will be transmitted through the.

tie rods 50 to the upper cross member 49. The. upper cross member will be urged downwardly and will move the guide plate 31 downwardly, which downward movement of the guide plate will transmit downward movement through the studs 36 to the plunger head 39 for moving the plunger head and plunger downwardly together with the body and the stapling head. As the stapling head is moved downwardly and the plunger is operated in the usual manner for forcing a staple into operative position adjacent the tape, which is illustrated at I5, and the goods to be marked, a portion of which is illustrated at 18, the staple is ready to be forced into clamping relation with the tape and goods. When this 'operationhas been completed, the upper cross member 49 and the guide plate 31 will be in the position shown in Figure 4 of the drawings. That is to say, no clamping movement will as yet have been exerted upon the staple clamping dogs. It is necessary, therefore, that a further downward movement be exerted upon the treadle 8 and such further downward movement will move the upper cross'member 49 downwardly against the tension of the spring 55 for urging the dog operating pins into engagement with the cam like walls 59 of the dogs 51. Said dogs will be rocked upon the bolts 58 and will shift the operating rod 69 downwardly for urging the cam or block 89 into engagement 'with the staple clamping dogs 60.

guide plate 31 and have heads engageable in the "upper cross member 49 so that said upper cross member, while it will be allowed to slide. downwardly along the. connecting bolts,'will be prevented from separating from the bolts and the plate 31 so that the pins 53 will always be maintained in proper operative position and the spring 55 will not be allowed to completely separate the crms member 49 and the guide plate 31.

As best seen'in Figures 1,' 2 and 23, a pairof brackets 80 are mounted on the walls I9 of the yoke II. The brackets are formed of sheet metal and are offset inwardly toward each; other, as

shown at 8I, and extecd upwardly in parallel v Said staple clamping dogs will be urged upwardly for bending the lower end portions of mount therebetween the outer end portion of a.

guide tube 85, which guide tube is adapted to have tape I shiftable therein. A bracket 86 is mounted on the yoke II, extends rearwardly above the guide tube 85, and serves to insure proper feeding of the tape into said guide tube.

The guide tube 85 is substantially rectangular in cross section and, as seen in Figure 23, is provided with a slot 81 which extends throughout its length. A stop on the base 9 cooperate with the lower surface of the tube 85, at its rear end, and limits swinging movement of the stapling body I2. As clearly seen in Figures 1, 2, 8 and 10, the tube 85 extends forwardly beneath the body I2 and terminates beneath the stapling head in a cutting mechanism housing which will now be described.

The tape cutting mechanism is shown generally at' 89 and comprises a bracket 99 which is formed from strap metal. .The bracket 90 is formed with a lateral portion 9' which is adapted substantially to engage about the stapling head I'I. That is to say, the lateral portion 9I will engage the front wall I8 and the side walls 20 and 2|, while rear lugs 92 on the portion 9| will engage the base of the rear wall 22. Carried in the bracket 99 is a cutting mechanism housing 93 which is formed with front and rear walls 93a and 93b. The housing 93 is of the same width and thickness as the bracket 90, and, therefore, as shown clearly in Figure 9, completely fills the space in the bracket beneath the head II. The housing 93 is formed with a bottom wall 94 which is provided with .an opening 94a, which opening is adapted to aline with an opening 94b in the bracket 99. The hous-- 96 and 91, which engage the sides of the fixed cutting plate. The plate 95 has a cutting edge 9611.

The fixed cutting plate has a transverse slot 98 therein which is provided with an upwardly projecting inwardly tapered cutting edge 99 aTong its lowerside. Carried by the housing 93 in slidable relation to the fixed cutting plate 95 is'a.

-movable cutting blade carrier I90 which is adapted to slide vertically in the housing 90 and has a flat upper surface which, supports the inner end of the guide tube 86, said guide tube extending through an opening I9I in the wall 93b and terminating at subsfa'ntially the inner edge of said movable cutting blade carrier or holder. The movable cutting blade holder has a cut away portion I02 which is adapted to have mounted therein a movable cutting blade I93 which has a cutting edge I04 adapted to cooperate with the cutting edge 99. The movable cutting blade holder I09 is, as best seen in Figures 8, 10 and 11, provided with a pair of laterally spaced recesses I05.

The blade holder I09 is also provided with a pin' I96 which is screwed into said blade holder and extends somewhat loosely through an opening I9'I formed in the movable cutting blade substantially medially of its length and width. The pin serves to prevent movement of the cutting blade with respect'to the holder I00 in every direction except away from said holder laterally. The'blade I03 is, of course", held against movement away from the holder by means of the fixed cutting plate 95. Coil springs I08 are carried in the recesses- I05 and urge the cutting blade I03 tothe holder I00. As best seen in Figures 2 and 8 l of the drawings, the bolt I09 will engage the lower surface of the recess 4| when the stapling head I1, with the mechanism 89 thereon, is moved downwardly so that said movable cutting blade holder willbe shifted upwardy for causing the movable cutting blade I03 to cooperate with the fixed cutting plate 95 and effect the cutting of a desired length or section of the tape which projects from the guide tube 85 forwardly of the tube. Inasmuch as the plate 95 is mounted within the housing 93, said plate will be slidable in said casing without displacement.

Feeding mechanism is, of course, necessary in order to cause the tape to feed from the tube 85' to the desired position above the plate 95 and blade I03. The feeding mechanism may be seen in Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings but the details are best seen in Figures 8, l2 and 13 thereof. By referring to Figure 12, it will be seen that the guide tube '85 is provided with a lower slot 4 which is alined with the slot 81 and extends along the tube a relatively short distance beneath the movable body I2. The tube 85 is adapted to carry a feeder sleeve II6 which is slidable on said tube and is located about the tube throughout the length of the slots H3 and H4. The feeder sleeve II6 has a bottom wall I" which is formed near its forward end with an opening I I8. A thickened intermediate portion I is formed on the top wall I2I of the feeder "sleeve,'and said thickened portion is, as best seen in Figure 13, normally disposed in the slot 81; .Formed on the side walls of the sleeve 6 are trunnions I22 which are engageable, in a manner to be de-' scribed, for shifting said feeder sleeve.

A feeder claw I23 of spring metal, is carried by the sleeve H6 and said feeder claw has a base portion I24 and a claw portion I25. The base portion I24 is riveted or otherwise suitably secured to the bottom wall II1 medially of its width while the claw portion I25 is downwardly ofiset and is curved upwardly to extend through the opening H8 and through the slot 4 into engagement with a portion of the tape 15. The claw portion I25 terminates in a claw edge I26. It will be understood that, as the feeder sleeve I I8 shifts forwardly on the tube 85, due to the fact that the end of the claw portion I25 is slightly inclined forwardly, the claw edge I26 will engage the tape 15 and urge it forwardly in the tube 85.

As the sleeve I I6 moves rearwardly, the claw edge I28 will slip out of engagement with the tape.

Mounted on the plunger head 30 on the lower surface thereof and between opposite sides of the plunger 29 and the lugs 3I, are feeder operating mechanism plates I21 and I28 which are formed with slots I29. The plates I21 and I28 are formed of flat metal and extend downwardly, at the rear of the plunger head, in parallel spaced relation. Mounted on the side walls 20 and 2| adjacent the rear wall 22 and substantially medially of the length thereof are oppositely directed pivot members I30, and pivotally mounted on said members are operating levers I3I.

As best seen in Figures 1 and 2, the levers.

|3| are substantially inverted 'L-shaped. Eachni of said levers has a short slot engagingportion I32 and a relatively long portion I32a.:-.='I'he por-i tions I32 are adapted for shiftableen'gagement in the slots I29 while the portions I32a are adapted, at their corresponding, lower endsl to be connected to the corresponding inner ends of The opposite ends of the links arelinks I33. swingingly connected to the trunnions I22. As the stapling head I1 moves upwardly, the ends 01' the portions I32 will slide in the slots I29 until said portions I 32 reach the ends of said slots. Then, as the head continues to move upwardly, said portions I32 will engage the lower ends of the slots and thus the levers I3I will be rocked on the pivot members I30 for shifting the links I33 and the sleeve II8 forwardly. As the sleeve II6 moves forwardly on the tube 88, the claw edge I28 of the claw portion I25 will engage the tape 15 for moving said tape forwardly to project above the tape cutting mechanism 89 and the housing preparatory to a cutting and stapling operation.

As the stapling head is moved downwardly, the

blade I03 cooperates with the plate 95 for severing a length of tape and the stapling mechanism in the head I1 and housing 8| operates for stapling the length of tape to the article of goods to be identified. At the same time, the levers I3| will be swung rearwardly for shifting the links I33 and the sleeve II8 rearwardly. The sleeve |I6 will thus be positioned for advancing another section of the tape when the head I1 swings upwardly.

In order to prevent, directly upon release of the treadle 6, upward shifting of the plunger 29 in the head I1, which upward shifting at this particular time would cause premature operation of the feeding mechanism and other mechanism,

I provide latch mechanism shown generally at I34. The latch mechanism includes latch rods I35 which are carried on the plunger head 30 and triangular keepers I31, which keepers I31 are mounted on the walls 20 and 2| near their lower ends.

In order to release the latch rods I35'from the keepers I31, I provide release mechanism shown generally at I38. The release mechanism includes a substantially U-shaped operating member I39 which is slidably mounted on the lateral portion 9| of the frame 90. As may be clearly seen in Figures 1, 2 and 8, the member I39 is cut away throughout the major portion of its length to define arms I40 which have their free ends engageable with the lower end portions of the latch rods I35. Trunnions-IH are mounted on the member I39 and are adapted slidably to engage in arcuate slots I42 formed in guides I43. Screws I44 retain the guides I43 in operative position on the base plate 9. It will be'seen that, as the stapling head I1 shifts downwardly, the plunger head 30 and plunger 29 will move downwardly in engage the notches I36 of the latch rods I35 so that said latch rods will be held downwardly for holding the plunger 29 in downward position. During this operation, the arms I40 of the member I39 will be shifted rearwardly on the walls 2| and 22 of the stapling head by reason of the fact that the trunnions I will operate in the guide slots I42. As the stapling head moves upwardly for a tape cutting and stapling operation, the trunnions I4I will be permitted to ride upwardly and forwardly in the slots I42 so that the free ends of the arms I40 will engage the lower end portions of the latch rods I35 for springing said latch rods forwardly and releasing the keepers I31 from the notches I36. The plunger 29 and plunger head 30 will then be allowedto shift upwardly for operating the tape feeding mechanism at the proper time for such operation. The latch rod releasing mechanism will, in the manner herein-- before described, retain the plunger in proper position until the stapling head I1 is near the upward end of its course )1: travel. Mounted on the base plate near the forward end thereof is a pin I45 which'serves to prevent retraction of the tape when the feeder sleeve H6 moves rearwardly.

Although the operation of certain portions of the invention hasbeen discussed, it is desired at this time to discuss the operation of the complete device. After the stapling head I1 has been loaded by means of the stick of staples 1 downwardly. The stapling head is moved downwardly, as heretofore described, by engaging the foot of the operator with the treadle 6, which downward motion is transmitted through the actuating rod 48 and the connecting yoke 41 to the, member 46. The member 46 is moved downwa'rdly for urging the upper cross member 49 downwardly and as the spring 55 resiliently connects the upper crossmember 49 with the guide I of the invention is of. substantially the same construction as that of the preferred form with the plate 31, said guide plate willalso be moved downwardly on the sleevev 38 and the rods 50,

said rods 50, of course, traveling with the guide plate for the greater portion of its distance and said sleeveprovidinga. guide for the upper cross member and guide plate. Downward movement ,of the guide plateis, arrested by the stop plate have taken place. In order to effect the stapling operation, further downward movement is brought to bear upon the treadle, whereupon the further downward movement will be transmitted to the upper cross member 49 which will be urged downwardly on'the center sleeve 38 against the tension of the spring 55 for urgingthe pins 53 into engagement with the dogs 51' and effecting the clamping of a staple fed by the plunger 29 to the goods. Downward movement of the stapling head is effected by the guide plate 31 which is pivotally connected to said stapling head by means of the operating rods 32 which are connected with the plunger head 30.

Simultaneously with the stapling operation, the rear end portion of the tape 15, which tape has been fed from the tube 85 and extends through the opening IOI in the housing 93 above the movable-cutting blade I03,'is severed by said movable cutting blade so that the work 16 with a guide plate I6I. preferred form of the invention, is mounted on a'centra'l sleeve I62 and is limited inits downidentifying tab thereon, may be moved away from the machine.

After the stapling and cutting operation is completed, pressure is released from the 'treadle 6 so that the retractile spring 44 will be permitted to raise the rod 48 and the member 46 so that the elevating or releasing movementwill be transmitted through the tie. rods 50 to the upper cross member 49 and through the connecting bolts 11 to the guide plate 31. As the guide plate 31 is connected to the plunger rod by 'means of the operating rods 32, said plunger head will move upwardly. As it is desired that the entire stapling head be moved upwardly with the plunger head so that the device will be positioned for another stapling operation, the

stapling head and plunger head are held by the cooperating latch rods I35 and keepers I31 I against relative movement so that said plunger the stapling head will be caused to free the-rods so that the plunger will, of course, be urged upwardly under the tensionof the conventional spring carried within the stapling head. Raising of the stapling head will, of course, permit the movable cutting blade I03 to retract and position itself for another cutting operation which will take place when the staplingv head is again moved downwardly.

pletely and thoroughly understood.

Referring now to the modification of the invention shown in Figures 15, 16 and ,.7 of the.

drawings, the numeral I50 indicates in general the base plate of the modified form of the invention and said base plate is mounted on a pedestal I5I. A stapling head I52 hasa body portion I53 hingedly connected to the base plate by means-of a bolt I54 which extends through parallel mounting arms I55. This'modified form important exception that no tape retarding or advancing mechanism,; or allied structure, is employed. More specifically, t he stapling head I52 has a plunger I56 provided with a head I51, which head is formed with dependinglugs I58 to which are pivotally connectedv operating rods I59. The operating rods. I59 extend vertically at opposite sides of the stapling head and are connected to connecting'studs I60 mounted on The guide plate, as in the ward movement by a stop plate I63. Upper and lower cross members I64 and I65 respectively, are connected to each other by means of tie rods I66. The base plate I50 carries a clamping mechanism casing I61 in which is carried mechanism identical with that of the preferred form for cooperating with the stapling head in effecting the stapling operation, It will be understood that downward movement of the guide' plate I6I, which is transmitted to said sleeve from the upper cross member I64 to said sleeve It is thought that the operation of the preferred embodiment of my improved stapling machine will now be com by means of a helical spring I68, will be effected when a treadle, similar to thatemployed in the against the tension of a retractile spring I69.

Downward movement of the plate I64 will effect downward movement of the stapling head I52 and, when said stapling head has been located in the lowermost position, further downward movement will cause downward movement of the plunger I56 for effecting a stapling operation. Sections of fabric tape, shown at I10, are located in a chute I1I carried on the lower wall of the stapling head and this chute is in the form of a slidable substantially U-shaped housing which is adapted to slide forwardly andrearwardly of the stapling head. The housing is provided with a striking shoulder I12 at its forward end and said housing is further provided, on its wall near the central portion thereof, with a transverse operating piece I13 which is adapted to ride in the arcuate slots I14 of side plates I15 which are secured to the base plate I50 near the forward end thereof. The plunger head I51 carries latch rods I16 provided with notches I11 adapted to engage with integrally formed triangular keeper members I18 carried at opposite side of I the stapling head near its lower end.

In operation, after the stapling head has been moved downwardly in the same manner as in connection with the preferred form of the invention, the housing I1I will be retracted for rotating the forward end of the tab or tape I10 which extends forwardly of the housing, in close proximity to the edge of the goods to be identifled, a portion of said goods being shown at I19. Further depressing movement on the treadle causes the plunger I56 to effect the stapling operation in a manner hereinbefore described in connection with the preferred form of the invention. Upon release of the treadle, the stapling head will be raised but, as will be understood, the plunger will be held in a downward position until the stapling head is near its upper position. In this position, the housing I" will have been advanced so that the shoulders I12 will engage the lower end portions of the latch rods I16 for freeing the notches of said rods from the keepers I18 so that the plunger will be raised to a position ready for another stapling operation. Aside from the above described structure, this modification of the invention operates in an identical manner with the preferred form.

Referring now to the modification of the invention as shown in Figure 19 of the drawings, and wherein a modified tape feeding structure is .shown, the numeral I indicatesa portion of the relatively long guide tube, which portion sleeve I84 for advancing the tape in the tube I8I.

Rearward movement of the sleeve disengages the claw-like edge I88 from the tape so that 'no retarding movement of the tape is effected. The stops I82 and I83 limit the movement of the sleeveI84. Backward and forward movement of the sleeve is effected in the same manner as that employed in the preferred form of the invention. Further description of this modification is thought to be unnecessary.

Referring now to the modification of the invention as shown in Figures '20, 21 and 22 of the drawings, the numeral 200 indicates in general a tagging machine such as that shown in the embodiment in Figures 15, 16 and 1'1 of the drawings. Inasmuch as the tagging machine has been previously described and forms no part The legs 20I are adapted for,

engagement in loops 203 which are mounted on} the opposite end walls 204 of a container 205.

The container 205, as best seen in Figures 20 and 21 of the drawings, is substantially rectangular in shape and is adapted to have mounted therein compartments 206. The compartments 206 are arranged in a laterally spaced series and are formed with curved bottom walls 201. The compartments are adapted to have disposed therein a plurality of identifying tabs, shown gen-' erally at 208. The bottom walls 201 being of curved formation, impart curvature to the tabs in the containers so that said tabs will conform to the shape of the end ofa finger inserted selectively in the containers. The tabs 208 may be withdrawn with the utmost facility. The container 205 is formed with an upwardly projecting portion 209 adapted to have indicia 2I0 disposed on the front surface thereof. The indicia will, of course, relate to the nature of the tabs in the compartments within the container. As best seen in Figure 22 of the drawings, the compartments are adapted to be removably mounted in the container so that substitution may be made at any time. The container 205 greatly facilitates the use of my improved tagging machine, as shown in Figures 15, 16'and 17. It is thought that further description of this embodiment of the invention is unnecessary. I

Having thus described the invention, what I claim is:

1. In a tagging machine, supporting means, a base plate carried thereby, a sub-base plate carried by the base plate at one end thereof, a clamping mechanism casing carried by the base plate and sub-base plate at one end thereof, staple clamping mechanism in the casing, a central sleeve carried by the sub-base plate, a guide sleeve slidably mounted on the central sleeve, upper and lower cross members movably connected with the guide sleeve, tie rods connecting said upper and lower cross members, an operating rod carried within the central sleeve, a stop plate carried by said centralsleeve and having dogs therein, dog operating pins carried by the upper cross member and adapted for engagement with said dogs, a stapling head, means swingingly connecting the stapling head with' the base plate, said stapling head having a plunger and being adapted to contain staples, operating rods connecting ,the guide plate with the plunger, means associated with the stapling head and adapted for carrying tape, and means carried by the supporting means and engageable with the lower cross member, said last mentioned means being operable for shifting the cross members and guide plate downwardly for imparting downward movement to the stapling head whereby said stapling head will be moved to its initial operative position clamping the tape and the goods to be stapled between said stapling head and said clamping mechanism casing, said last mentioned means being adapted to be further engaged for moving the upper cross member further downwardly with respect to the guide plate and engagingthe dog operating pins with the dogs for shifting the operating rod and operating the clamping mechanism within the clamping mechanism casing for clamping a staple moved downward at downward movement of the plunger in engagement with the goods and tape.

2. Ina tagging machine, supporting means, a base plate carried by the supporting means, a sub-base plate carried by said first mentioned plate at one end thereof, a stapling head having a movable body, means swingingly connecting the stapling head and movable body with the base plate, said stapling head having a plunger and. being adapted to be shifted for eflecting down-- ward movement of a staple in the head, a central sleeve carried by the sub-base plate, a stop plate carried by the central sleeve at its lower end, a

guide sleeve slidably mounted on the central sleeve, an upper cross member slidable on the central sleeve and having dog operating pins, tie

rods carried by the upper cross member and slidable through said sleeve and stop plate, a lower cross member carried by the tie rods, a spring resiliently connecting the sleeve and said upper cross member, bolts carried by the guide sleeve 7 and preventing too great separation of said guide sleeve and upper cross member, a clamping mechanism casing carried on the base plate and subbase plate, staple clamping dogs carried thereby, an operating cam carried in the clamping mechanism casing, an operating-rod carried within the central sleeve, dogs carried by the stop plate, said stop plate having openings and said dogshaving cam-like surfaces, a stapling head swingingly connected'with the-base plate, said stapling head having a movable plunger, an operating .rod"

pivotally connecting the guide plate with the plunger, means carried by the lower cross member and being engageable for: shifting said crossmember downwardly for engaging the dog operating plus with the cam-like surfaces and shift ing' the dogs and theoperating rod upwardlyv within the central sleeve for shiitingthe :operat mg cam and clamping a staple fed -fromthe stapling head by said plunger to the tape and,

goods to be identified at the lowermost position of said stapling headand plunger, and a spring carried by the sub-base plate and said lower ried by the casing for guiding the movement of the operating cam, said operating cam having a depending lug, a sub-base plate carried by the base plate, a central sleeve carried by the subbase plate, an operating rod carried therein, a stop plate carried by the central sleeve at its lower extremity and having openings, dogs carried by said stop plate beneath said openings and being adapted to engage said operating rod, a

guide plate slidable on the central sleeve, an upper cross member slidable on said central sleeve,

means resiliently connecting the guide plate and said upper cross member and normally gholding said upper cross member in spaced relation with said guide plate, means carried by the guide plate for preventing too great separation of the guide plate and upper cross member, dog operating pins carried by the upper cross member, a lower cross member, tie rods connecting said cross members and being slidable through said stop plate and adapted for sliding movement on said guide plate, a stapling head carried by the base plate and having a plunger adapted to operate to project a staple, means connecting the stapling head with the guide plate, and meansengageable with the lower cross member for shifting both said cross members and said guide plate downwardly to initial operative position with a stapling head clamping a portion of tape and a portion of goods to be stapled between said stapling head and said clamping mechanism casing, said last mentioned means being adapted to be urgedv downwardly for urging the upper cross member against the tension of said resilient means and projecting the dog operating pins in-' to engagement-with the dogs for shifting'theoperating rod within the central sleeve and the operating cam within the casing for effecting the clamping ofa staple on the tape and goods.

4. In a tagging machine, staple clamping mechanism including a base plate having a subbase plate at one end thereof, a clamping mechanism casing carried by the base plate and said sub-base plate, a central sleeve carried bythe sub-base plate, a stop plate carried by the cene tral sleeve and having a relatively narrow slot and alined openings, dogs carried in the'slot of said stop plate, an operating rod carried in the central sleeve, an operating cam carried by the clamping mechanism casing, staple clamping dogs carried by ,thecasing and being engageable, by

theoperating cam, means carried bythe casing for guiding the operating cam, said cam having a lug engageable with the operating rod, aguide Iplate slidably mounted on the central sleeve, an .upper cross member slidably mounted on said sleeve, a spring resiliently connecting said upper cross member and said guide plate, a lower-cross member, tie rods connecting said cross members and being slidable through said stop plate and slidable relative to said guide plate, connecting bolts carriedby the guide plate and preventing toogreat separation of the guideplate and upper tral sleeve and normallyretaining the upper cross member spaced from the guide plate, dog-operating pins carried by the upper cross member, a

stapling head, means swingingly connecting the stapling head with the base plate, said stapling head having a movable plunger, means connecting the stapling head and plunger with the guide plate, and. means for transmitting downward movement to the upper and lower cross members and said guide plate and said stapling head and plunger for locating said stapling head in an initial operative position clamping a portion of tape carried beneath the head in engagement with a portion of goods to be identified, said last'mentioned means being adapted to be urged further downwardly for simultaneously moving said cross member downwardly with respect to the guide plate and shifting the plunger downwardly in said stapling head, said simultaneous movement efiecting the engagement of the dog operating cross member, said spring surrounding the cen-' and operating cam and staple clamping dogs into a clamping position for clamping a staple urged downwardly by the downward movement of said plunger head whereby said tape will be secured to the goods to be identified.

5. In a tagging machine, a pedestal, a base plate carried by the pedestal, a sub-base plate carried by the base plate, a clamping mechanism casing carried by said base plate and sub-base plate at one end thereof, a stapling mechanism including a stapling head, means swingingly connecting the stapling head with the base. plate, said stapling head having a plunger, a guide tube carried by the stapling mechanism and adapted to direct tape from a roll of tape to a position beneath the stapling head, a cutting mechanism housing carried by the staplinghead and located forwardly of said guide tube, said guide tube being adapted to project into said cutting mechanism housing, a fixed cutting plate carried by the housing, a movable cutting blade carried by the housing and movable with respect to the fixed cutting plate, a movable cutting blade holder slidably mounted in the housing, a bolt carried by the holder, and means carried by the sub-base plate and operable for shifting the stapling head downwardly 'and engaging the bolt against the sub-base plate for shifting said cutting blade upwardly and effecting the cutting of a portion of the tape issuing from said guide tube, said portion of tape being adapted to be clamped beneath said stapling head preparatory to a stapling operation.

'6. In a tagging machine, a pedestal, a base plate'carried by the pedestal, a sub-base plate carried by said base plate, a clamping mechanism casing carried by the base plate and subbase plate at one end thereof, stapling mechanism including a stapling head, means swingingly connecting the stapling head with the base plate, said stapling head having a plunger, a guide tube carried by the staplingmechanism and adapted to direct a portion of tape from a roll of tape to a position beneath the stapling head, a cutting mechanism housing carried by the stapling head and located forwardly of said guide tube, said guide tube being adapted to project into said cutting mechanism, housing, a fixed cutting plate carried by the housing, a movable said portion of tape being adapted to oe clamped beneath said stapling head preparatory to a stapling operation, and means carried by the base plate and adapted for preventing insertion of a.

portion of material too far under the stapling head.

'7. In a tagging machine, a pedestal, a base plate carried by the pedestal, asub-base plate carried by said .base plate; aclamping mechanism casing carried by the base plate and sub-base plate at one end thereof, a stapling head, means swingingly connecting the stapling head with the base plate, said stapling head having a plunger, 8. guide tube carried by the base plate and adapted to direct tape from a roll of tape to a position beneath the stapling head, a cutting mechanism housing carried by the stapling head and located forwardly of said guide tube, said guide tube being adapted to project into said cutting mechanism housing, a fixed cutting plate carried by the housing, a movable cutting blade carried by the housing and movable with respect to the fixed cutting plate, a movable cutting blade holder slidably mounted in the housing and carrying said movable cutting blade, a bolt carried by the holder, means carried by the pedestal and operable for shifting the stapling head downwardly and engaging the bolt with the sub-base plate for shifting said cutting blade upwardly and effecting the cutting of a portion' of the tape issuing from said guide tube, said portion of tape being adapted to be clamped beneath said stapling head preparatory to a stapling operation, said bolt being adapted to be adjusted for carrying the cutting movement of the movable cutting blade at the downwardswinging of the stapling head, and feeding means carried by the stapling. head and said guide tube and being operable by upward movement of said stapling head for advancing the tape to project forwardly of the tube.

8. In a tagging machine, tape cutting mechanism including a housing adapted to be secured to a stapling head, a fixed cutting plate carried in the housing and having a transverse slot, means locking said fixed cutting plate within the housing, a movable cutter blade holder carried in the housing,- means carried by the housing and limiting the movable cutting blade holder to restricted movement within the housing, said holder having laterally spaced recesses, a movable cutting blade carried by the holder, springs in the laterally spaced recesses and urging said movable cutting blade toward said fixed cutting plate, and a pin carried by the movable cutting blade holder and engageable by said movable cutting blade for limiting said blade against vertical movement relative to said holder, said movable cutting blade holder being engageable with a base plate beneath the housing and effecting the cutting of an article extending through the transverse slot in the fixed cutting plate above the 'movable cutting blade.

9. In a tagging machine, a base plate, a stapling head, a movable body swingingly connecting the stapling head with the base plate, said stapling head having a plunger provided with a plunger head, means engageable with the plunger head for urging the stapling head initially downwardly the stapling head and having lateral portions ter- I minating within the slots, keepers on the stapling head, a guide tube carried by the base plate, a feeder sleeve carried by the guide tube, and links connecting the feeder sleeve with the 'substantially inverted L-shaped levers, said feeder operating mechanism plates being adapted to engage corresponding inner ends of the lateral portions for rocking the links and sleeve rearwardly in inoperative position as the stapling head is shifted to downward position, said opposite corresponding ends of the feeder operating mechanism plates rockingthe levers forwardly for shifting the links and feeder sleeve forwardly during the raising of the stapling head whereby said feeder sleeve'will be caused to feed tape forwardly from the guide tube for a stapling operation upon release of said first mentioned means, said keepers and latch rods cooperating to pre- Vigil; premature operation of the feeder mechan m.

10. In a tagging machine, a base plate, a stapling head, a movable body swingingly connect-- mechanism plates having slots, substantially inverted L-shaped levers carried bythe stapling head and having lateral portions terminating within the slots, a guide tube carried by the stapling mechanism, a feeder sleeve carried by the guide tube, links connecting the feeder sleeve with the substantially inverted L shaped levers, said feeder operating mechanism plates being adapted to engage the lateral legs for rocking the links and sleeve rearwardly in inoperative position as the stapling head is shifted to downward position, said feeder operating mechanism plates rocking the levers forwardly for shifting the links and feeder sleeve forwardly during the raising of the stapling head whereby said feeder sleeve will be caused to feed tape forwardly from the guide tube into position for a stapling operation upon release of said first mentioned means, said latch rods and keepers being operable for retaining the plunger in downward position during the greater extend of the raising of said stapling head to inoperative position whereby operation of the feeder mechanism will be properly timed.

11. In a tagging machine, a base plate, a stapling head, a movable body swingingly connecting the stapling head with the 'base plate, said stapling head having a plunger provided with a plunger head, means engageable with the plunger head for urging the stapling head initially downwardly to operative position for locating a staple carried in the stapling head in position to be clamped to articles disposed beneath the .stapling head, feeder operating mechanism plates carried by the plunger head, substantially inverted L-shaped levers carried by the stapling head and having lateral portions, a guide tube carried by the stapling mechanism, a feeder sleeve carried by the guide tube, links connecting the feeder sleeve with the substantially inverted L- shaped levers, said feeder operating mechanism plates being adapted to engage with the lateral portions for rocking the links and sleeve rearwardly in inoperative position as the stapling head isshifted to downward position, said feeder operating mechanism plates rocking the levers forwardly for shifting the links and feeder sleeve forwardly during the raising of the stapling head whereby said feeder sleeve tape forwardly from the guide tube into position for a stapling operation upon release of said first mentioned means, latch rods having notches, keepers carried by the stapling head for engaging the notches and normally retaining the stapling head plunger in a downward position, and re lease means carried by the stapling head and the base plate and operative as the stapling head approaches the upper end of its throw for releasing the rods from the keepers and permitting restoration of the plunger to operative position for a further stapling operation.

12. In a tagging machine, a base plate, a stapling head, a movable body swingingly connectwill be caused to feed ing the stapling head with the base plate, said stapling head having a plunger provided with a plunger head, means engageable with the plunger head for urging the stapling head initially downwardly to operative position for locating a staple carried in the stapling head in position to be clamped to articles disposed beneath the stapling head, latch rods carried by the plunger head, feeder operating mechanism plates on the plunger, substantially inverted L-shaped levers carried by the stapling head and having lateral portions, a guide tube carried by the stapling mechanism, a feeder sleeve slidably carried by the guide tube,

links connecting the feeder sleeve with the substantially inverted L-shaped levers, said feeder operating mechanism plates being adapted to engage ends thereof with the lateral portions for rocking the links and sleeve rearwardly in inoperative position as the stapling head is shifted to downward position, said plates. rocking the levers forwardly for shifting the links and feeder sleeve forwardly during the raising of the stapling head whereby said feeder .sleeve will be caused to feed tape forwardly from the guide tube for a stapling operation upon release of said first mentioned means, said latch rods having notches, keepers carried by the stapling head for engaging the notches and retaining the stapling head plunger in a downward position, side plates carried by the-base plate and having arouate slots, tracks defined on the stapling head, and slidable release members carried by the tracks and having trunnions adapted to ride in the arcuate slots, said trunnions being adapted to ride upwardly in the arcuate slots as the stapling head rises to inoperative position whereby the slidable release plate will be moved forwardly for engaging the latch rods and freeing said notches from the keepers and permitting restoration of the plunger to operative position. v

13. In a tagging machine, a base plate,-stapling mechanism including a stapling head, a guide tube, means mounting the guide tube on the stapling mechanism, said guide tube having a slot, feeding mechanism carried by the guide tube and including a feeder sleeve slidable on said guide tube, a feeder claw carried by the feeder sleeve,

means rockably mounting the stapling head on I for shifting said levers as the plunger is raised and lowered in the stapling head, links connecting the levers with the feeder sleeve, said links being adapted to be shifted rearwardly by the levers at downward movement, of the stapling head for shifting the sleeve rearwardly, said last mentioned means being adapted to rock the levers forwardly at upward movement of the stapling head whereby forward movement of the links and feeder sleeve will take place and said feeder claw will beengaged through the guide tube with a portion of tape for advancing said tape forwardly of said tube, and means carried by the base plate and operable for raising and a plunger, means carried by the plunger and engageable with the leversposition, a chute carried by the stapling head and adapted to carry a portion of tape at its forward end, side plates carried by the base plate, said stapling head having a stud, latch rods carmember at upward swinging oi the staplinghead whereby the plunger will be permitted to rise to operative position in the stapling head as said stapling head approaches the upward end of its swing, said chute being disposed to receive a new .portion of tape for a stapling operation and said chute being retractable at downward swinging of the stapling head for locating the tape between the clamping mechanism casing and said stapling head for a stapling operation.

CHARLES H. MAIBEN. 

